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Water & Waste Management

July 26, 2010

Aqua-Chem, a manufacturer and supplier of water treatment systems, has taken over Specific Equipment Company, a Houston-based company that provides fluid-handling systems for the petroleum industry, resort hotels and other industry segments.

Specific Equipment marks Aqua-Chem’s second acquisition in less than two years, the first being Matrix, a company that provides reverse osmosis systems for marine and land-based applications. Aqua-Chem purchased Matrix in 2008.

The acquisition of Specific, a company that develops customized pump packages for the offshore petroleum industry including reverse osmosis watermakers, helicopter refueling systems, oil water separators, and systems to treat and purify water, will help Acqua-Chem broaden its product portfolio of water treatment systems.

Aqua-Chem will retain Phil Shrader, president of Specific, for the management of the Specific division.

David Gensterblum, president and CEO of Aqua-Chem’s, said: “With a proven track record in providing offshore watermaking applications, helicopter refueling systems and potable and sanitary water pressure sets, Specific strengthens our capabilities across key customer industries.

“At the same time, the acquisition will extend Aqua-Chem’s reach to markets outside of the US, particularly South America and Mexico, where there is a great need for high-purity water. Now, more than ever, Aqua-Chem is a ‘one-stop’ solution provider for a full range of desalination systems, offering the optimal solution for every application.”